Puebla's Festival Graffiti Point
Puebla's Barrio del Alto, Xonaca, and Xanenetla unveiled new murals by national artists at Festival Graffiti Point. The festival showcases the growing street art scene across multiple neighborhoods in the Mexican city.
The recent "Graffiti Point" festival, held on February 27 and 28, brought together approximately 50 artists from across Mexico, including talent from Mexico City, Hidalgo, and Quintana Roo. They transformed the walls of around 15 buildings in Puebla's historic neighborhoods into a vibrant open-air gallery. The new murals, some stretching over three meters long, touch on contemporary themes reflecting modern life and social issues. One prominent piece depicts the Virgin of Guadalupe holding a large firearm, a commentary on the wave of violence in the country. Other works feature surreal imagery, such as a large bird with the head of an elderly woman and a skeleton in a blue hat, alongside pre-Hispanic figures. This festival builds on a long tradition of urban art transforming Puebla's neighborhoods. The Xanenetla district, in particular, began its journey to becoming a "Ciudad Mural" (Mural City) back in 2009-2010 through the efforts of the Colectivo Tomate. This initiative worked with the community to create murals that narrate the histories and identities of local families. The project in Xanenetla, originally a historic Tlaxcalteca settlement, was designed to rejuvenate the community and dignify its urban aesthetic through art. This collaborative approach between residents and artists has become a hallmark of Puebla's street art movement, aiming to strengthen the social fabric and reclaim public spaces.
